EAST HAVEN, Conn. — The animal advocacy group, Desmond's Army, says there are at least 60 active animal abuse cases statewide at all times. Thursday, another heartbreaking case came to light involving an East Haven woman, who owned her allegedly abused dog only since April.
Late Tuesday night, the 8-month-old pit bull mix was found drinking water from a bucket in the back yard of an East Haven home. The responding Animal Control Officer knew immediately the dog's condition was dire. So, he rushed the dog named Deuce to Central Veterinary Hospital in Guilford.
"Severely dehydrated and covered in feces and needed a bath," said Sarah Macy, of Central Veterinary Hospital, who added, "He was in very poor condition."
After posting pictures of the pooch to Facebook, East Haven Animal Control was able to track down and identify the dog's owner, Kaitlin Tenner, 26, of East Haven.
"She said to me that the dog ran away two weeks before and I asked her if she reached out to anyone, myself or the police department, about the dog being missing and she said no," East Haven Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn.
Central Veterinary Hospital says it's clear the dog had not been missing for two weeks because of its frail condition.
"He would’ve found something to eat outside or he’s friendly enough he would’ve found someone to give him food," said Macy.
FOX61 stopped by Tenner's residence but she denied the dog was hers.
East Haven Animal Control hit the 26-year-old with multiple charges including Animal Cruelty, which could result in up to one year in jail.
"Owning an animal is a big responsibility and she didn’t take any part of that responsibility," said Linda Preva of Desmond's Army, whose animal advocacy led to Connecticut creating Desmond's Law, which allows pro bono attorneys or law students to be a voice for the abused animal in court.
In the next day or two, Deuce with be headed to an animal foster home for continued care. Then, in a month or two, he will be up for adoption. If you're interested in adopting him, reach out to the East Haven Animal Shelter by phone or on Facebook.
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